What to Do Before Partitioning Your Hard Drive

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There are many reasons to partition your hard drive. Partitions allow you to install multiple operating systems, keep your data secure and optimize your free space so your computer runs faster – just to name a few.

If you already understand the benefits of partitions and have decided to organize your hard drive, you may be wondering how you go about doing it. Fortunately, there are many partition manager applications on the market. This software guides you through the entire partitioning process, making it simple for anyone to partition a computer’s hard drive. However, before you jump right in, computer experts recommend you take a few steps prior to the partitioning process.


First, experts recommend that you back up your data before partitioning your hard drive. Although professional partition manager suites should not damage or lose your data, it is always best to be prepared. Other problems with your computer, such as power failure or complications with the hard drive, can result in data loss.

Because it's always advisable to back up your data, we strongly value hard drive partition software that includes backup utilities. If your application does not include a backup feature, you may have to buy additional software. Partition software that includes a backup function makes the process simple with a setup wizard.

After you back up your data, experts recommend that you create a boot rescue CD. This step is important as it will boot up your computer should your operating system fail to boot. Some partition manager applications also include a feature that aids you in creating a boot rescue CD.

Another good piece of advice is to read the user manual of your partitioning software before you attempt to create any partitions. Although the partitoin manager makes the partitioning process clear and simple, it is always best to fully understand exactly what you are agreeing to when you push this or that button in the partitioning wizard. For example, if you accidently delete your operating system while trying to resize a partition, you have some problems on your hand. It’s best to whip out the software’s user manual beforehand, just in case.

You may want to clean up your hard drive and check for system errors before making any big changes, such as adding or resizing a partition. Many partition utilities include a command to defragment your hard drive. This feature will organize your fragmented data by putting it back in order. You can also manually clean up your hard drive by deleting any unnecessary documents. If your partition manager includes a check for system errors function, it will locate and fix any errors, further preparing you to partition your hard drive.

Immediately prior to running your partition software, you should shut down any applications on your computer and connect your computer to an uninterruptible power source. These actions will help your computer to safely create and format partitions without interruption.

Since experts recommend that you back up your data, create a rescue boot CD, defragment your hard drive and check for system errors before creating a partition, we highly value a partition manager that includes a complete feature set, allowing you to perform all these functions from one application. Check out our comprehensive reviews on partition managers to find an application that has all these features and more. Don’t just organize your hard drive, manage it.